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Charleston Open
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| Charleston Open | |
|---|---|
| WTA Tour | |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Editions | 53 (2025) |
| Location | Hilton Head Island, SC, U.S. (1973–74, 1977–2000) Amelia Island, FL, U.S. (1975–76) Daniel Island, SC, U.S. (2001–current) |
| Venue | LTP-Daniel Island |
| Category | WTA 500 |
| Surface | Clay (green) – outdoors |
| Draw | 48S / 32Q / 16D |
| Prize money | US$1,064,510 (2025) |
| Website | creditonecharlestonopen.com |
| Current champions (2025) | |
| Singles |  Jessica Pegula |
| Doubles |  Jeļena Ostapenko  Erin Routliffe |
The Charleston Open, currently sponsored by Credit One, is a WTA Tour-affiliated professional tennis tournament for women, held every year since 1973.[1][2][3][4] It is the oldest professional all-women's tournament in America with a $1,064,510 purse.[5] The tournament celebrated 50 years in 2022 at the newly renovated Credit One Stadium located in Charleston, South Carolina.[6]
The tournament is played on the green clay courts at LTP-Daniel Island (which contains the 10,200-seat Credit One Stadium) on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina, US.[7] From its inception in 1973 to 2000, the tournament was held at the Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island with the exception of 1975 and 1976 when it was played on Amelia Island off the coast of Florida. The event moved to Charleston, and specifically Daniel Island, in 2001.[8]
From 1973 to 2015, the title sponsor was Family Circle magazine, which had made it the longest-running title sponsor in professional tennis.[9] Chinese automaker Geely, which has a factory in nearby Berkeley County for their Volvo brand, took over sponsorship from 2016 to 2021.[10][11] Credit One Bank, which had sponsored the 2020 tournament, became the title sponsor of both the tournament and stadium in July 2021.[12] Also in 2021, two tournaments were organised in consecutive weeks as a makeup tournament for those cancelled by pandemic restrictions. The Medical University of South Carolina sponsored the event.[13]
From 1990 to 2008, the tournament was classified as a WTA Tier I event. In 2009, it was downgraded to a WTA Premier tournament. It celebrated its 40th year in 2012[14] by naming its main stadium court in honor of Billie Jean King.[15][16] With the reorganization of the WTA's schedule in 2021, the tournament became a WTA 500 tournament. The 2021 second tournament held the week afterwards was part of the WTA 250 tournaments list.
Past finals
[edit]Singles
[edit]
Doubles
[edit]
Exhibition team tournament
[edit]Because of an ongoing pandemic, the tournament in 2020 was reformatted into a Laver Cup style team tournament. Each team captain's name in BOLD and listed first.
References
[edit]- ^ "Venus Williams powered into the third round of the Charleston open". Archived from the original on April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
- ^ "WTA Tournaments – Family Circle Cup". WTA. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ "Meredith Corporation Unveils New Title Sponsor for Family Circle Cup". Volvo Cars Open. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
- ^ "ABC: Andrea Petkovic in straight sets to reach the final of the Charleston Open". ABC News. April 11, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
- ^ "2021 Volvo Car Open Charleston Prize Money with $565,530 on Offer". Tennis Up To Date. April 4, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ "Bencic holds off Jabeur in Charleston, wins sixth career title". Retrieved May 3, 2022.
- ^ "Family Circle Cup (Tennis Tournament)". Daniel Island, South Carolina. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ Daniel Kaplan (March 13, 2000). "After 28 years, Family Circle moving to a new $9M home". SportsBusiness Daily. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
- ^ Gene Sapakoff (August 30, 2015). "Tourney to take a ride with Volvo Tennis cup's new sponsor might help draw big names". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on October 30, 2022.
- ^ Ashley Heffernan (September 1, 2015). "Family Circle Cup tennis tournament renamed to Volvo Cars Open". Columbia Regional Business Report.
- ^ "Meredith Corporation Unveils New Title Sponsor For The Family Circle Cup". Meredith Corporation. August 31, 2015. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
- ^ Bilodeau, Kevin (July 21, 2021). "Credit One Bank to take over as title sponsor of Charleston tennis tournament and stadium". live5news.com. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ "CHARLESTON TENNIS TO HOST WTA 250 TOURNAMENT FOLLOWING VOLVO CAR OPEN". Charleston Open. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ "Family Circle Cup celebrates 40th year". ABC News. April 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
- ^ "Family Circle Cup names its stadium court after women's pioneer Billie Jean King". The Washington Post. April 7, 2012. Retrieved April 8, 2012. [dead link]
- ^ "Court named after Billie Jean King". ESPN. April 8, 2012.
External links
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Charleston Open
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Credit One Charleston Open is a premier professional women's tennis tournament on the WTA Tour, classified as a WTA 500 event and played on outdoor green clay courts at the LTP Daniel Island Tennis Center, home to Credit One Stadium, on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina.[1][2] Established in 1973 as the Family Circle Cup on Hilton Head Island, it was the first women's tennis tournament to offer $100,000 in prize money and marked a pivotal moment in the sport's growth by providing equal pay to men and women at the time.[1]
The event relocated to Charleston in 2001, where it has since become North America's largest women-only tennis tournament, drawing over 90,000 spectators annually and featuring world-class players in a festive, fan-focused atmosphere that includes enhanced on-site experiences like concerts and community events.[1][3] Name changes over the decades reflect evolving sponsorships: from the Family Circle Cup (1973–2015) to the Volvo Car Open (2015–2021), and to the Credit One Charleston Open starting in 2022 under title sponsor Credit One Bank, with the partnership extended through 2031.[1] The tournament has been honored as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year in 2022, 2023, and 2024, underscoring its reputation for high-quality competition and production.[1]
Notable milestones include its pioneering 1973 network television broadcast—where winner Rosie Casals earned $30,000—and a 2022 stadium upgrade expanding capacity to 11,000 seats with added luxury suites and event spaces.[1] Past champions feature tennis legends such as Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Serena Williams, and recent winners like Jessica Pegula (2025) and Madison Keys (2019), highlighting its role in showcasing top talent on clay ahead of major events like the French Open.[4] Starting in 2026, the event will introduce equal prize money parity with a concurrent men's tournament, further advancing gender equity in professional tennis while maintaining its WTA focus.[5] Typically held in late March or early April, the 2026 edition is scheduled for March 28 to April 5.[2]
Qualifying players receive reduced shares to reflect their entry stage, with $2,040 USD for first-round qualifying losers and $4,080 USD for second-round qualifying losers. Qualifiers who lose in the first round of the main draw receive $6,400 USD.[13] Doubles teams share prizes on a per-team basis, following a tiered structure similar to singles but scaled lower, with doubles winners receiving $54,300 in 2025.[7]
In a landmark announcement, the tournament committed to equal prize money for men's and women's events beginning in 2026, with the combined purse exceeding $4 million USD and each gender's side increasing to $2.175 million USD to align with ATP 500 standards— an 89% rise from the projected $1.15 million.[11][9] This structure ensures parity in financial rewards across genders while maintaining the WTA 500 and ATP 500 competitive tiers.
Chris Evert holds the record for most singles titles with eight victories between 1974 and 1985, including five consecutive wins from 1974 to 1978 that highlighted her clay-court prowess during the tournament's formative Tier IV to Tier I progression.[4] Martina Navratilova captured four titles from 1982 to 1990, often in three-set battles that exemplified the era's rivalries, while Steffi Graf also secured four wins across 1986 to 1993, contributing to the event's elevation as a marquee clay stop.[4] Serena Williams claimed three titles in 2008, 2012, and 2013, with her 2012 final a dominant 6–0, 6–1 straight-sets rout that underscored her return to form on clay.[53] Other multiple winners include Justine Henin and Martina Hingis with two each, reflecting patterns of repeat success among top-ranked players in the Tier I period from 1988 to 2008.[4]
Notable finals have included upsets and breakthrough performances, such as Veronika Kudermetova's 2021 straight-sets victory over qualifier Danka Kovinić for her maiden WTA title, marking a rare underdog run in the modern era.[53] Three-set epics like the 2008 final, where Serena Williams overcame Vera Zvonareva 6–4, 3–6, 6–3 amid rain delays, and the 2015 decider featuring Angelique Kerber edging Madison Keys 6–2, 4–6, 7–5, have added drama to the event's history, often decided by tiebreaks or late breaks on the slower green clay.[52] Retirements have been infrequent, but the 2023 final saw Ons Jabeur prevail in a tight 7–6(8–6), 6–4 against Belinda Bencic, reversing their 2022 result and highlighting the tournament's competitive balance.
The champions' list illustrates evolving trends, from American dominance in the 1970s and 1980s—where U.S. players won 18 of the first 20 titles—to a more international field post-2000, with non-Americans claiming over 60% of crowns since the tournament's relocation and rebranding.[1] As a Tier I event until 2008, it attracted Grand Slam winners like Evert and Graf, but its transition to WTA 500 status has fostered breakthroughs for mid-tier players, such as Daria Kasatkina's 2017 win over rising star Jeļena Ostapenko and Jessica Pegula's 2025 all-American final triumph, signaling continued appeal for top-10 contenders seeking clay preparation ahead of majors.[2] By 2025, the event had produced 32 unique singles champions, emphasizing its role in nurturing both legends and new talents over five decades.[52]
Overview
Tournament Format
The Credit One Charleston Open operates as a WTA 500 tournament with a standard structure featuring a 48-player main singles draw, a 24-player qualifying singles draw, and a 16-team doubles draw.[2] This format allows for a competitive field including top-ranked players and rising talents, with qualifying matches determining entries into the main draw.[6] The event spans approximately one week in early April, typically beginning with qualifying rounds over the preceding weekend and transitioning to main draw action starting Monday, March 31, in 2025, through semifinals mid-week and concluding with singles and doubles finals on Sunday, April 6.[7] Matches are scheduled across day and night sessions on outdoor green clay courts to accommodate spectator attendance and broadcast demands.[8] Beginning in 2026, the tournament will expand to a combined WTA 500 and ATP 500 event, incorporating a parallel men's singles and doubles competition with equal scheduling and prize money allocation for both genders to promote gender equity in professional tennis.[9] The 2022 renovation of Credit One Stadium has positively impacted event flow by expanding seating capacity to over 10,000, adding player lounges, and improving on-site logistics, enabling smoother operations for larger crowds and dual-gender programming in future years.[10]Categories and Prize Money
The Charleston Open is classified as a WTA 500 tournament, awarding up to 500 ranking points to the singles winner, with points distributed as follows: 500 for the champion, 325 for the finalist, 195 for semifinalists, 108 for quarterfinalists, 60 for third-round participants, 32 for second-round participants, and 1 for first-round losers.[7] Equivalent ATP 500 status is planned for the men's event starting in 2026, offering the same 500 ranking points to the singles winner under the ATP Tour's points system.[11] For the 2025 edition, the total prize money purse stands at $1,064,510 USD, primarily allocated to the women's singles and doubles events.[2] The singles prize money breakdown emphasizes progression through the draw, with higher rewards for deeper advancements:| Stage | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|
| Winner | 164,000 |
| Runner-up | 101,000 |
| Semifinalist | 51,085 |
| Quarterfinalist | 25,550 |
| Round of 16 | 12,900 |
| Second Round | 7,975 |
| First Round | 6,400 |
History
Founding and Early Years
The Family Circle Cup was established in 1973 in Hilton Head, South Carolina, marking the first women's professional tennis tournament to offer a total purse of $100,000.[1] Promoters Jack Jones and John Moreno secured sponsorship from Family Circle magazine, launching the event at the Sea Pines Plantation on outdoor green clay courts as part of the newly formed Women's Tennis Association (WTA) circuit.[14] Rosie Casals, a founding member of the WTA, captured the inaugural singles title by defeating Nancy Richey in the final, earning $30,000—the highest individual prize awarded to a female athlete in any sport that year.[15][16] The tournament also became the first women's tennis event broadcast live on network television, enhancing its reach and contributing to the sport's growing visibility.[17] During its early years, the Family Circle Cup played a crucial role in the professionalization of women's tennis, aligning with the WTA's advocacy for equal opportunities and prize money parity amid the sport's transition from amateur to professional status.[18] The event's purse expanded steadily, reaching $150,000 by 1979, which supported larger fields and attracted top talent. It progressed within the WTA structure, starting as a non-tiered circuit event and achieving Category 5 status in 1988 before elevating to Tier I in 1990 with a $500,000 purse, underscoring its rising prominence just below the Grand Slams.[19] The 1970s and 1980s saw the tournament dominated by tennis legends, with Chris Evert securing multiple titles, including in 1974, 1976, 1977, and 1981, and Martina Navratilova triumphing in 1975, 1988, and 1990, among others. These victories highlighted the event's status as a key pre-French Open stop on clay, drawing record crowds and fostering the development of the women's game through high-profile matchups.[20]Relocation to Charleston
After 28 years at Hilton Head Island's Sea Pines Resort, the Family Circle Cup relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2001 primarily to address overcrowding, limited parking, and scheduling conflicts with other major events like the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage at the shared venue.[21][14] The tournament organizers sought a larger, dedicated facility to support its growth, selecting Charleston for the city's robust tourism industry—which drew over 4 million visitors annually at the time—and its infrastructure capable of hosting expanded events with improved accessibility via highways and proximity to international airports.[1][22] The inaugural Charleston edition took place from April 16 to 22, 2001, at the newly constructed Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island, a $15 million public-private partnership that became the first stadium built exclusively for a women's professional tennis tournament.[10] As a WTA Tier I event, it featured a $1,200,000 total prize purse and drew 80,625 spectators, marking a successful transition despite initial logistical challenges in adapting to the new site.[23] Jennifer Capriati claimed the singles title, defeating Amélie Mauresmo in the final, which helped elevate the event's profile early on.[23] The relocation yielded quick successes, including a renaming of the venue to the Family Circle Tennis Center to align with the tournament sponsor and an attendance surge that exceeded 90,000 fans by 2006, surpassing previous Hilton Head figures and establishing the event as a key spring draw on the WTA Tour.[1][24] Capriati returned to win again in 2003, further solidifying the tournament's prestige amid growing fan engagement. The main stadium opened with a 10,000-seat capacity on green clay courts, enabling better sightlines and amenities than the prior setup.[21] By 2006, minor expansions to ancillary facilities supported the event's evolution, alongside a prize money increase to $1.34 million, reflecting sustained investment in its Tier I status.[14][25]Modern Era and Expansion
In the 2010s, the Charleston Open underwent significant structural changes within the WTA Tour framework. Following a period as a Tier I event, it was reclassified as a Premier tournament starting in 2009, reflecting adjustments in the tour's tiering system to balance competition and scheduling.[26] This shift maintained its prominence while adapting to evolving professional standards. By 2021, amid the WTA's reorganization of tournament categories, it transitioned to WTA 500 status, a level emphasizing high-level clay-court play ahead of major events like the French Open.[26] Concurrently, the event's financial scale expanded, with the prize purse reaching $782,900 in 2020—though the tournament was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic—demonstrating sustained investment in player compensation.[27][28] The tournament marked its 50th anniversary in 2022, coinciding with a major overhaul of its venue to modernize facilities and elevate the spectator experience. The renovation of Credit One Stadium, completed after two years of construction, was funded by a $50 million investment led by tournament owner Bob Sherrill and supported by local stakeholders.[29] Key upgrades included expanded seating from 7,000 to 11,000 patrons, the addition of 16 luxury suites, a 75,000-square-foot multi-purpose Stage House for events and player amenities, enhanced lighting, and improved landscaping, transforming the site into a year-round entertainment hub.[30][29] These enhancements not only celebrated the event's legacy but also positioned it for broader appeal beyond tennis. Sponsorship evolved to reflect corporate partnerships that bolstered the tournament's growth. Originally titled the Family Circle Cup from 1973 to 2015 under Family Circle magazine's backing, it rebranded as the Volvo Car Open in 2015 following a multi-year deal with Volvo Car of North America, tied to the automaker's nearby manufacturing plant.[1] This naming lasted through 2021, after which Credit One Bank assumed title sponsorship in 2022, securing naming rights for the stadium and extending the agreement through 2031 to ensure long-term stability.[1][31] The partnership emphasized community ties in Charleston and financial commitments to elevate the event's profile. A pivotal expansion is scheduled for 2026 with the introduction of a concurrent ATP 500 men's event, creating a combined professional tennis festival on Daniel Island.[5] This integration will streamline scheduling across both tours, drawing top male and female players while sharing infrastructure at Credit One Stadium. To advance gender equity, organizers committed to equal prize money starting in 2026, raising the combined purse to approximately $2.3 million—aligning the women's side with ATP 500 standards and marking a landmark in professional tennis parity.[11][9][5] This initiative, funded through extended sponsorship and private investment, underscores the tournament's role in promoting inclusive, high-stakes competition.Venue and Surface
Credit One Stadium
Credit One Stadium is located on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina, serving as the primary venue for the Charleston Open since the tournament's relocation there in 2001.[32] The facility features a main stadium with a seating capacity of 11,000 following extensive renovations, along with a total of 20 lighted tennis courts, including the central competition court and additional practice areas.[33][34] The stadium includes comprehensive player facilities such as a four-story Stage House with premium locker rooms, physical therapy and exercise spaces, media production areas, and food preparation zones, enhancing athlete wellness and event operations.[32] Fan amenities encompass 16 hospitality suites equipped with seating, televisions, kitchens, and dining areas; shaded seating under a distinctive cantilever canopy; and additional features like a VIP club level and community event spaces. For the 2025 event, enhancements included the addition of the Coastline Baseline Lounge with private booths offering premium views and dining, along with expanded food and beverage options featuring Lowcountry cuisine.[32][34][35] In 2022, as part of celebrations for the tournament's 50th anniversary, the stadium underwent major upgrades that expanded its footprint from 167,000 to over 700,000 square feet, incorporating a new structural steel canopy with braided cables for weather protection, energy-efficient lighting systems, and sustainable elements such as corrosion-resistant stainless steel materials to withstand coastal salt air, along with the planting of 26 mature crepe myrtle trees.[34][36] These enhancements also included a robust recycling program to minimize environmental impact.[36] The venue's location on Daniel Island provides convenient access to nearby hotels and accommodations, supporting its role as a multi-purpose site that hosts the annual Charleston Open—drawing over 90,000 attendees—and additional events such as concerts and community gatherings throughout the year.[32][35][30]Green Clay Courts
The green clay courts used at the Charleston Open are composed of crushed metabasalt, a billion-year-old Pre-Cambrian greenstone sourced from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, providing a durable, natural aggregate that forms the Har-Tru surface.[37] This material differs from traditional red clay, which is typically made from crushed brick, by offering faster ball speeds and reduced slipperiness due to its harder, more compact texture when properly maintained.[38] The surface is prepared by mixing the crushed stone with water to achieve optimal cohesion, without the addition of sand, ensuring a consistent playing layer.[37] The tournament has utilized green clay since its inception as the Family Circle Cup in 1973 on Hilton Head Island, selected for the region's coastal climate of warm temperatures and high humidity, which helps maintain the court's moisture and stability year-round.[39] Courts at the current venue are maintained continuously to support both professional events and community play, with the Har-Tru HyQ upgrade in 2021 enhancing durability and playability.[40] Among WTA Tour events, the Charleston Open stands alone as the only tournament played on green clay, distinguishing it from the red clay circuits in Europe and Latin America.[41] Green clay impacts gameplay by producing a slower pace than hard courts while offering higher ball bounce, which promotes longer rallies and rewards baseline players who rely on topspin and endurance over aggressive net approaches.[42] The surface's speed falls between red clay and medium-paced hard courts, allowing for quicker transitions from defense to offense compared to slower European clays, yet it remains more forgiving on footing than harder surfaces.[43] Maintenance involves annual resurfacing to restore the court's profile and address compaction, typically including scarification, leveling, and application of fresh material in preparation for the April event.[44] Advanced irrigation systems, such as the digital underground setup installed across the 14 courts at Credit One Stadium, deliver precise watering to prevent cracking and ensure even moisture distribution.[45] During the tournament in April, Charleston's humid subtropical weather—often featuring high relative humidity levels around 70-80%—naturally retains court moisture, slowing the surface slightly and enhancing grip but requiring vigilant brushing and rolling to mitigate any unevenness from occasional rain.[46]Players and Records
Notable Participants
The Charleston Open has attracted numerous Tennis Hall of Famers throughout its history, underscoring its prestige as a key WTA event. Martina Navratilova, a Hall of Famer with 18 Grand Slam singles titles, secured four tournament victories in 1982, 1983, 1988, and 1990, dominating on the green clay surface during her peak years.[4] Billie Jean King, another Hall of Famer and pioneer of women's tennis, served as an early advocate for the tournament, commenting on the inaugural 1973 final between Rosie Casals and Nancy Richey as a milestone despite the players' nerves, highlighting the event's role in elevating women's professional tennis.[1] Serena Williams, a Hall of Famer with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, reached the 2008 final and won three championships overall in 2008, 2012, and 2013, bringing global attention to the competition.[4] Record holders and veterans have also left indelible marks, with Venus Williams exemplifying longevity through over 10 appearances, including her 2004 title win, and maintaining an undefeated record in opening-round matches across eight outings by 2016.[47] The tournament boasts impressive win streaks, such as those tied to multi-title winners like Chris Evert, who claimed eight championships from 1974 to 1985, establishing dominance on the clay. International diversity is a hallmark, with players from more than 30 countries competing over the decades, reflecting the WTA Tour's global reach and the event's appeal to top talent from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.[4] Rising stars and surprise performances have often defined the Charleston Open, propelling careers forward. Sloane Stephens staged a remarkable comeback in 2016, capturing her third WTA title of the year by defeating Elena Vesnina 7-6(7-4), 6-2 in the final after overcoming injury setbacks earlier in her career.[48] Similarly, unseeded Daria Kasatkina claimed her maiden WTA singles title in 2017 with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Jelena Ostapenko, marking a breakthrough that launched her into the top ranks and highlighted the tournament's role in nurturing emerging talents.[49] These participants have amplified the event's cultural impact in Charleston, drawing over 90,000 attendees annually and boosting local tourism by attracting visitors from nearly every U.S. state and multiple countries.[50] High-profile players like the Williams sisters have generated substantial media coverage, while community initiatives, such as pro-am events raising $100,000 for Ukraine relief in 2022 involving Hall of Famers like Pam Shriver and Tracy Austin, foster local involvement and charitable contributions.[51]Singles Champions
The Charleston Open singles competition has featured 52 editions since 1973, with the 2020 tournament cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing a mix of dominant baselines and emerging talents on green clay. American players secured the majority of titles in the inaugural decade, underscoring the event's role as a premier U.S. stop for top competitors during the early professional era.[1]| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Rosemary Casals (USA) | Nancy Richey (USA) | 3–6, 6–1, 7–5 |
| 1974 | Chris Evert (USA) | Kerry Melville (AUS) | 6–1, 6–3 |
| 1975 | Chris Evert (USA) | Martina Navratilova (TCH) | 7–5, 6–4 |
| 1976 | Chris Evert (USA) | Kerry Reid (AUS) | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 1977 | Chris Evert (USA) | Billie Jean King (USA) | 6–0, 6–1 |
| 1978 | Chris Evert (USA) | Kerry Reid (AUS) | 6–2, 6–0 |
| 1979 | Tracy Austin (USA) | Kerry Reid (AUS) | 7–6(7–3), 7–6(9–7) |
| 1980 | Tracy Austin (USA) | Regina Maršíková (TCH) | 3–6, 6–1, 6–0 |
| 1981 | Chris Evert (USA) | Pam Shriver (USA) | 6–3, 6–2 |
| 1982 | Martina Navratilova (USA) | Andrea Jaeger (USA) | 6–4, 6–2 |
| 1983 | Martina Navratilova (USA) | Tracy Austin (USA) | 5–7, 6–1, 6–0 |
| 1984 | Chris Evert (USA) | Claudia Kohde-Kilsch (FRG) | 6–2, 6–3 |
| 1985 | Chris Evert (USA) | Gabriela Sabatini (ARG) | 6–4, 6–0 |
| 1986 | Steffi Graf (FRG) | Chris Evert (USA) | 6–4, 7–5 |
| 1987 | Steffi Graf (FRG) | Manuela Maleeva (BUL) | 6–2, 4–6, 6–3 |
| 1988 | Martina Navratilova (USA) | Gabriela Sabatini (ARG) | 6–1, 4–6, 6–4 |
| 1989 | Steffi Graf (FRG) | Natasha Zvereva (URS) | 6–1, 6–1 |
| 1990 | Martina Navratilova (USA) | Jennifer Capriati (USA) | 6–2, 6–4 |
| 1991 | Gabriela Sabatini (ARG) | Leila Meskhi (URS) | 6–1, 6–1 |
| 1992 | Gabriela Sabatini (ARG) | Conchita Martínez (ESP) | 6–1, 6–4 |
| 1993 | Steffi Graf (GER) | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) | 7–6(10–8), 6–1 |
| 1994 | Conchita Martínez (ESP) | Natalia Zvereva (BLR) | 6–4, 6–0 |
| 1995 | Conchita Martínez (ESP) | Magdalena Maleeva (BUL) | 6–1, 6–1 |
| 1996 | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) | Barbara Paulus (AUT) | 6–2, 2–6, 6–2 |
| 1997 | Martina Hingis (SUI) | Monica Seles (USA) | 3–6, 6–3, 7–6(7–5) |
| 1998 | Amanda Coetzer (RSA) | Irina Spîrlea (ROU) | 6–3, 6–4 |
| 1999 | Martina Hingis (SUI) | Anna Kournikova (RUS) | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2000 | Mary Pierce (FRA) | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) | 6–1, 6–0 |
| 2001 | Jennifer Capriati (USA) | Martina Hingis (SUI) | 6–0, 4–6, 6–4 |
| 2002 | Iva Majoli (CRO) | Patty Schnyder (SUI) | 7–6(7–5), 6–4 |
| 2003 | Justine Henin (BEL) | Serena Williams (USA) | 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2004 | Venus Williams (USA) | Conchita Martínez (ESP) | 2–6, 6–2, 6–1 |
| 2005 | Justine Henin (BEL) | Elena Dementieva (RUS) | 7–5, 6–4 |
| 2006 | Nadia Petrova (RUS) | Patty Schnyder (SUI) | 6–3, 4–6, 6–1 |
| 2007 | Jelena Janković (SRB) | Dinara Safina (RUS) | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 2008 | Serena Williams (USA) | Vera Zvonareva (RUS) | 6–4, 3–6, 6–3 |
| 2009 | Sabine Lisicki (GER) | Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) | 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2010 | Samantha Stosur (AUS) | Vera Zvonareva (RUS) | 6–0, 6–3 |
| 2011 | Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) | Elena Vesnina (RUS) | 6–2, 6–3 |
| 2012 | Serena Williams (USA) | Lucie Šafářová (CZE) | 6–0, 6–1 |
| 2013 | Serena Williams (USA) | Jelena Janković (SRB) | 3–6, 6–0, 6–2 |
| 2014 | Andrea Petković (GER) | Jana Čepelová (SVK) | 7–5, 6–2 |
| 2015 | Angelique Kerber (GER) | Madison Keys (USA) | 6–2, 4–6, 7–5 |
| 2016 | Sloane Stephens (USA) | Elena Vesnina (RUS) | 7–6(7–4), 6–2 |
| 2017 | Daria Kasatkina (RUS) | Jeļena Ostapenko (LAT) | 6–3, 6–1 |
| 2018 | Kiki Bertens (NED) | Julia Görges (GER) | 6–2, 6–1 |
| 2019 | Madison Keys (USA) | Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) | 7–6(7–5), 6–3 |
| 2021 | Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) | Danka Kovinić (MNE) | 6–4, 6–2 |
| 2022 | Belinda Bencic (SUI) | Ons Jabeur (TUN) | 6–1, 5–7, 6–4 |
| 2023 | Ons Jabeur (TUN) | Belinda Bencic (SUI) | 7–6(8–6), 6–4 |
| 2024 | Danielle Collins (USA) | Daria Kasatkina (RUS) | 6–2, 6–1 |
| 2025 | Jessica Pegula (USA) | Sofia Kenin (USA) | 6–3, 7–5 |
Doubles Champions
The doubles competition at the Charleston Open, originally the Family Circle Cup, began in 1973 and has since showcased a mix of international and American teams vying for the title on the distinctive green clay courts. The inaugural event featured Françoise Dürr and Betty Stöve defeating the American duo of Rosemary Casals and Billie Jean King in a three-set final, marking an early highlight of international success in the tournament's doubles draw.[52] Over the decades, the format shifted from round-robin structures in the early years to a standard knockout draw, expanding to a 16-team main draw by the 2000s, which has amplified the importance of tactical baseline play and endurance on the slower clay surface. Prize money for doubles winners has progressively aligned more closely with singles since the early 2000s, underscoring the WTA Tour's efforts to elevate the discipline's profile. Notable achievements include the first all-American doubles championship in 1980, won by Kathy Jordan and Anne Smith, and the dominance of certain pairs in the 1990s, such as Gigi Fernández and Natasha Zvereva, who claimed a title together in 1993, contributing to Zvereva's status as one of the era's premier doubles specialists.[52] Liezel Huber won one title in 2010 partnering with Nadia Petrova, reflecting her versatility and success on clay.[52] The event has also seen a rise in American triumphs in recent years, with teams like Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend in 2023 exemplifying home-country strength.[52] Martina Navratilova holds the record for most doubles titles with seven wins (1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1990).[4] The following table lists all doubles champions from 1973 to 2025, including team compositions, runners-up, and final scores where available.| Year | Champions | Runners-up | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Françoise Dürr (FRA) / Betty Stöve (NED) | Rosemary Casals (USA) / Billie Jean King (USA) | 3–6, 6–4, 6–3[52] |
| 1974 | Rosemary Casals (USA) / Olga Morozova (URS) | Helen Gourlay (AUS) / Karen Krantzcke (AUS) | 6–2, 6–1[52] |
| 1975 | Evonne Goolagong Cawley (AUS) / Virginia Wade (GBR) | Rosemary Casals (USA) / Olga Morozova (URS) | 4–6, 6–4, 6–2[52] |
| 1976 | Ilana Kloss (RSA) / Linky Boshoff (RSA) | Kathy Kuykendall (USA) / Valerie Ziegenfuss (USA) | 6–3, 6–2[52] |
| 1977 | Rosemary Casals (USA) / Chris Evert (USA) | Françoise Dürr (FRA) / Virginia Wade (GBR) | 1–6, 6–2, 6–3[52] |
| 1978 | Billie Jean King (USA) / Martina Navratilova (USA) | Mona Guerrant (USA) / Greer Stevens (RSA) | 6–3, 7–5[52] |
| 1979 | Rosemary Casals (USA) / Martina Navratilova (USA) | Françoise Dürr (FRA) / Betty Stöve (NED) | 6–4, 7–5[52] |
| 1980 | Kathy Jordan (USA) / Anne Smith (USA) | Candy Reynolds (USA) / Paula Smith (USA) | 6–2, 6–1[52] |
| 1981 | Rosemary Casals (USA) / Wendy Turnbull (AUS) | Mima Jaušovec (YUG) / Pam Shriver (USA) | 7–5, 7–5[52] |
| 1982 | Martina Navratilova (USA) / Pam Shriver (USA) | JoAnne Russell (USA) / Virginia Ruzici (ROU) | 6–1, 6–2[52] |
| 1983 | Martina Navratilova (USA) / Candy Reynolds (USA) | Andrea Jaeger (USA) / Paula Smith (USA) | 6–2, 6–3[52] |
| 1984 | Claudia Kohde-Kilsch (FRG) / Hana Mandlíková (TCH) | Anne Hobbs (GBR) / Sharon Walsh (USA) | 7–5, 6–2[52] |
| 1985 | Rosalyn Fairbank (RSA) / Pam Shriver (USA) | Svetlana Parkhomenko (URS) / Larisa Savchenko (URS) | 6–4, 6–1[52] |
| 1986 | Chris Evert (USA) / Anne White (USA) | Steffi Graf (FRG) / Catherine Tanvier (FRA) | 6–3, 6–3[52] |
| 1987 | Mercedes Paz (ARG) / Eva Pfaff (FRG) | Zina Garrison (USA) / Lori McNeil (USA) | 7–6(6), 7–5[52] |
| 1988 | Lori McNeil (USA) / Martina Navratilova (USA) | Claudia Kohde-Kilsch (FRG) / Gabriela Sabatini (ARG) | 6–2, 2–6, 6–3[52] |
| 1989 | Hana Mandlíková (AUS) / Martina Navratilova (USA) | Mary-Lou Daniels (USA) / Wendy White (USA) | 6–4, 6–1[52] |
| 1990 | Martina Navratilova (USA) / Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) | Mercedes Paz (ARG) / Natasha Zvereva (URS) | 6–2, 6–1[52] |
| 1991 | Claudia Kohde-Kilsch (GER) / Natasha Zvereva (URS) | Mary-Lou Daniels (USA) / Lise Gregory (RSA) | 6–4, 6–0[52] |
| 1992 | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) / Natasha Zvereva (BLR) | Larisa Savchenko (LAT) / Jana Novotná (TCH) | 6–4, 6–2[52] |
| 1993 | Gigi Fernández (USA) / Natasha Zvereva (BLR) | Katrina Adams (USA) / Manon Bollegraf (NED) | 6–3, 6–1[52] |
| 1994 | Lori McNeil (USA) / Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) | Gigi Fernández (USA) / Natasha Zvereva (BLR) | 6–4, 4–1 ret.[52] |
| 1995 | Nicole Arendt (USA) / Manon Bollegraf (NED) | Gigi Fernández (USA) / Natasha Zvereva (BLR) | 0–6, 6–3, 6–4[52] |
| 1996 | Jana Novotná (CZE) / Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (ESP) | Gigi Fernández (USA) / Mary Joe Fernández (USA) | 6–2, 6–3[52] |
| 1997 | Mary Joe Fernández (USA) / Martina Hingis (SUI) | Lindsay Davenport (USA) / Jana Novotná (CZE) | 7–5, 4–6, 6–1[52] |
| 1998 | Conchita Martínez (ESP) / Patricia Tarabini (ARG) | Lisa Raymond (USA) / Rennae Stubbs (AUS) | 3–6, 6–4, 6–4[52] |
| 1999 | Elena Likhovtseva (RUS) / Jana Novotná (CZE) | Barbara Schett (AUT) / Patty Schnyder (SUI) | 6–1, 6–4[52] |
| 2000 | Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) / Paola Suárez (ARG) | Conchita Martínez (ESP) / Patricia Tarabini (ARG) | 7–5, 6–3[52] |
| 2001 | Lisa Raymond (USA) / Rennae Stubbs (AUS) | Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) / Paola Suárez (ARG) | 5–7, 7–6(5), 6–3[52] |
| 2002 | Lisa Raymond (USA) / Rennae Stubbs (AUS) | Alexandra Fusai (FRA) / Caroline Vis (NED) | 6–4, 3–6, 7–6(4)[52] |
| 2003 | Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) / Paola Suárez (ARG) | Janette Husárová (SVK) / Conchita Martínez (ESP) | 6–0, 6–3[52] |
| 2004 | Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) / Paola Suárez (ARG) | Martina Navratilova (USA) / Lisa Raymond (USA) | 6–4, 6–1[52] |
| 2005 | Conchita Martínez (ESP) / Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) | Iveta Benešová (CZE) / Květa Peschke (CZE) | 6–1, 6–4[52] |
| 2006 | Lisa Raymond (USA) / Samantha Stosur (AUS) | Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) / Meghann Shaughnessy (USA) | 3–6, 6–1, 6–1[52] |
| 2007 | Yan Zi (CHN) / Zheng Jie (CHN) | Peng Shuai (CHN) / Sun Tiantian (CHN) | 7–5, 6–0[52] |
| 2008 | Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) / Ai Sugiyama (JPN) | Edina Gallovits (ROU) / Olga Govortsova (BLR) | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 2009 | Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) / Nadia Petrova (RUS) | Līga Dekmeijere (LAT) / Patty Schnyder (SUI) | 6–7(5), 6–2, [11–9][52] |
| 2010 | Liezel Huber (USA) / Nadia Petrova (RUS) | Vania King (USA) / Michaëlla Krajicek (NED) | 6–3, 6–4[52] |
| 2011 | Sania Mirza (IND) / Elena Vesnina (RUS) | Edina Gallovits-Hall (ROU) / Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) | 6–2, 6–4[52] |
| 2012 | Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) / Lucie Šafářová (CZE) | Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) / Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) | 5–7, 6–4, [10–6] |
| 2013 | Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) / Lucie Safarova (CZE) | Andrea Hlaváčková (CZE) / Liezel Huber (USA) | 6–3, 5–7, [10–7] |
| 2014 | Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) / Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) | Marina Erakovic (NZL) / Heather Watson (GBR) | 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2015 | Martina Hingis (SUI) / Sania Mirza (IND) | Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) / Elena Vesnina (RUS) | 7–6(5), 6–2 |
| 2016 | Martina Hingis (SUI) / Sania Mirza (IND) | Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) / Lucie Šafářová (CZE) | 5–7, 6–2, [10–8] |
| 2017 | Martina Hingis (SUI) / Sania Mirza (IND) | Chan Hao-ching (TPE) / Chan Yung-jan (TPE) | 6–2, 7–5 |
| 2018 | Andreja Klepač (SLO) / María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) | Ashleigh Barty (AUS) / Demi Schuurs (NED) | 6–4, 2–6, [10–5] |
| 2019 | Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) / Demi Schuurs (NED) | Yana Sizikova (RUS) / Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) | 6–4, 6–2 |
| 2020 | No tournament (COVID-19 pandemic) | N/A | N/A |
| 2021 | Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) / Elise Mertens (BEL) | Demi Schuurs (NED) / Sofia Kenin (USA) | 6–3, 6–2[54] |
| 2022 | Andreja Klepač (SLO) / Magda Linette (POL) | Lucie Hradecká (CZE) / Sania Mirza (IND) | 6–3, 6–4[52] |
| 2023 | Danielle Collins (USA) / Taylor Townsend (USA) | Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) / Laura Siegemund (GER) | 6–3, 6–1[52] |
| 2024 | Ashlyn Krueger (USA) / Sloane Stephens (USA) | Camila Osorio (COL) / Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) | 4–6, 6–3, [10–8][55] |
| 2025 | Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) / Erin Routliffe (NZL) | Caroline Dolehide (USA) / Desirae Krawczyk (USA) | 6–4, 6–2 |